According to dermatologist Jennifer M. Segal, MD, two things can cause sunscreen-related pimples: clogged pores from comedogenic ingredients or a sensitivity to chemical UV-blocking agents. In other words, the mineral sunscreens can sit on top of your skin and gunk up pores, while the chemical ones might irritate vulnerable skin.
Until now. Thanks to some forward-thinking formula innovations, sunscreen's reputation is starting to change. "Traditionally, mineral blocks have been very thick, but newer micronized formulations of zinc and titanium dioxide are smooth, cosmetically elegant, and very light," says Dr. Segal.
Ahead, we've rounded up 25 tried-and-true mineral and chemical sunscreens to protect your skin without irritating it.
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Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
When they say "airy," they mean it. This K-beauty formula is so silky and light, you'll genuinely look forward to applying it every day.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen, $, available at Soko Glam
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
A favorite of derms for patients with blemish-prone complexions, this beloved SPF shields UV rays without irritating or aggravating delicate skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $, available at DermStore
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
If it's gentle enough for bébé, it's gentle enough for even the most breakout-prone complexions.
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $, available at Pipette
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light SPF 60 Sunscreen
This sunscreen has a cult following for a very good reason. It's fast-absorbing, finishes like a matte dream, and feels essentially non-existent as soon as it sinks in.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light SPF 60 Sunscreen, $, available at La Roche-Posay
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
This mineral formula is made with non-nano (aka, reef-safe) zinc oxide and offers blue light protection benefits, too.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, $, available at Ulta Beauty
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Dry, combination, oily, acne-prone — this liquid sunscreen is a heavy-hitter for every skin type, tone, and texture. With a formidable SPF 50 for maximum protection, the formula leaves behind a natural-looking glow that’s neither dewy nor totally matte — and never, ever greasy.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $, available at DermStore
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
This sunscreen with SPF 40 not only goes on completely invisible on all skin tones, but it also helps control shine and prime the skin for a velvety-smooth makeup application.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $, available at DermStore
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
The satin-y finish of this sunscreen (and added skin-care benefits) make this formula ideal for anyone looking for an overachieving sunscreen that won't feel heavy on skin.
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50, $, available at Paula's Choice
Glossier Invisible Shield
Pinky promise, Glossier's clear water-gel formula is one that you'll actually look forward to using. Between the unique, serum-like texture and no-cast finish, it checks all of the boxes.
Glossier Invisible Shield, $, available at Glossier
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
On the hunt for a new day cream? You can't go wrong with this formula. It's sheer, has an SPF of 30, and plays well under makeup.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Both oil-free and non-comedogenic (which means it won't clog your pores), this sunscreen from Neutrogena with SPF 50 was actually formulated for acne-prone skin. With a watery texture, it leaves the skin completely matte.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion, $, available at Target
Elemis Daily Defense Shield SPF 30
This sunscreen is super light, so if you have oily skin, you won't feel like you're adding more grease to your face. It also has the added benefit of blue light protection, so you have a line of defense against the invisible rays coming from your phone and computer screen.
Elemis Daily Defense Shield SPF 30, $, available at Elemis
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Lotion
Even the most avid sunscreen-hater can find something to love about this SPF 45 formula. The all-mineral coverage blends into skin so completely that you'd forget it's even there, if not for the complexion-perfecting universal tint (complete with diamond powder for a soft-focus finish).
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $, available at DermStore
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
This zinc-based sunscreen is the only one our beauty writer wore all summer (and into fall!). It's fast-absorbing and non-greasy, yet hydrating enough to use without a separate moisturizer.
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen, $, available at Sephora
Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
You don't often see a proper sunscreen that can also replace two other integral steps in your skin-care routine. But improbably, this SPF from rock-star derm Dr. Dennis Gross — a true guru of all things acne — does just that.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $, available at Sephora
NARS Radiance Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen
Yes, this NARS primer will make your skin sparkle, but it's also packed with SPF 35.
NARS Radiance Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen, $, available at Sephora
Clinique Pep Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50
A sunscreen that doesn't irritate sensitive skin or clog pores? That's a winner in our books. Add a subtle tint, and it's the only thing you need on rushed mornings.
Clinique Clinique Pep Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This formula protects your skin from future damage with a go-to punch of antioxidants and SPF 30, all housed in a lovely daily moisturizer.
Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $, available at Sephora
Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
This spray sunscreen is biodegradable, waterproof for up to 80 minutes, and doesn't contain coral reef-destroying oxybenzone. All this, coupled with the fact that it doesn't break us out, makes it a clear winner in our book.
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Fragrence Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $, available at Walmart
SkinMedica Total Defense Repair SPF 34
Sure, this tinted cream won't replace your full-coverage foundation, but it will help even out your skin tone while providing sun protection.
SkinMedica Total Defense Repair SPF 34 - Tinted, $, available at DermStore
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35
This pricey pick is worth its weight in gold — if dropping extra dough for a high-performance hybrid SPF is a priority for you. Functioning as a sunscreen, makeup primer, and pore-smoother in one, it's skin protection on steroids.
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF35, $, available at Tatcha
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
With a name like Your Skin But Better, it's hard to resist snatching up this tube. Based on the rave reviews on every corner of the internet, you'll be glad you did. The full-coverage CC covers pigmentation (like acne scars, the bane of any breakout-prone person's existence) and protects your face from UVA and UVB rays. We love a good quick fix that also has long-term benefits — especially when it means we don't have to sacrifice a clear complexion in order to get it.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Amarte Ultra Veil Ultra Light Sunsreen Fluid SPF 50+
When they say "light," they aren't kidding — this Korean import sinks into the skin almost on contact, leaving your face feeling fresh and residue-free.
Amarte Ultra Veil Ultra Light Sunsreen Fluid SPF 50 Plus, $, available at DermStore
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion
Eco-friendly beauty brand Coola has always been one of our favorites, and we'd argue it has some of the best organic SPFs around. So, when we saw it had partnered with Target to create the exclusive line Bare Republic, we got pretty excited. This mineral sunscreen has all the great stuff we love about Coola — healthy ingredients, non-clogging formulas, gorgeous textures — at a much more wallet-friendly price.
Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 30, $, available at Target
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer SPF 30
This two-in-one sunscreen and primer multi-tasks, prepping skin for both makeup and sun exposure. The non-greasy formula is infused with green tea and antioxidants, so it's ideal for sensitive skin, even those with rosacea and acne.
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer SPF 30, $, available at DermStore
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